Prognostic value of lncRNA HOXA-AS3 in cervical cancer by targeting miR-29a-3p and its regulatory effect on tumor progression

Tumour-regulatory role of long non-coding RNA HOXA-AS3

Dysregulation of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOXA-AS3 has been shown to contribute to the development of multiple cancer types. Several studies have presented the tumour-modulatory role or prognostic significance of this lncRNA in various kinds of cancer. Overall, HOXA-AS3 can act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) that inhibits the activity of seven microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-29a-3p, miR-29 b-3p, miR-29c, miR-218-5p, miR-455-5p, miR-1286, and miR-4319. This relieves the downstream messenger RNA (mRNA) targets of these miRNAs from miRNA-mediated translational repression, allowing them to exert their effect in regulating cellular activities. Examples of the pathways regulated by lncRNA HOXA-AS3 and its associated downstream targets include the WNT/β-catenin and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activities. Besides, HOXA-AS3 can interact with other cellular proteins like homeobox HOXA3 and HOXA6, influencing the oncogenic signaling pathways associated with these proteins. Generally, HOXA-AS3 is overexpressed in most of the discussed human cancers, making this lncRNA a potential candidate to diagnose cancer or predict the clinical outcomes of cancer patients. Hence, targeting HOXA-AS3 could be a new therapeutic approach to slowing cancer progression or as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. A drawback of using lncRNA HOXA-AS3 as a biomarker or therapeutic target is that most of the studies that have reported the tumour-regulatory roles of lncRNA HOXA-AS3 are single observational, in vitro, or in vivo studies. More in-depth mechanistic and large-scale clinical trials must be conducted to confirm the tumour-modulatory roles of lncRNA HOXA-AS3 further. Besides, no lncRNA HOXA-AS3 inhibitor has been tested preclinically and clinically, and designing such an inhibitor is crucial as it may potentially slow cancer progression.

Role of HOXA1-4 in the development of genetic and malignant diseases

The HOXA genes, belonging to the HOX family, encompass 11 members (HOXA1-11) and exert critical functions in early embryonic development, as well as various adult processes. Furthermore, dysregulation of HOXA genes is implicated in genetic diseases, heart disease, and various cancers. In this comprehensive overview, we primarily focused on the HOXA1-4 genes and their associated functions and diseases. Emphasis was placed on elucidating the impact of abnormal expression of these genes and highlighting their significance in maintaining optimal health and their involvement in the development of genetic and malignant diseases. Furthermore, we delved into their regulatory mechanisms, functional roles, and underlying biology and explored the therapeutic potential of targeting HOXA1-4 genes for the treatment of malignancies. Additionally, we explored the utility of HOXA1-4 genes as biomarkers for monitoring cancer recurrence and metastasis.

The mechanisms and diagnostic potential of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and their related signaling pathways in cervical cancer

Cervical cancer (CC), the fourth most prevalent type of cancer among women worldwide, is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Due to the long period of latency in CC, most patients are already in the middle to late stages when initially diagnosed, which greatly reduces the clinical cure rate and quality of survival, thus resulting in poor outcomes. In recent years, with continuous exploration in the fields of bioinformatics and molecules, it has been found that ncRNAs, including miRNAs and lncRNAs, without the ability to translate proteins are capable of activating or inhibiting certain signaling pathways by targeting and modulating the level of expression of proteins involved in these signaling pathways. ncRNAs play important roles in assisting with diagnosis, drug administration, and prediction of prognosis during CC progression. As an entry point, the mechanisms of interaction between miRNAs, lncRNAs, and signaling pathways have long been a focus in basic research relating to CC, and numerous experimental studies have confirmed the close relationship of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and signaling pathways with CC development. Against this background, we summarize the latest advances in the involvement of lncRNA- and miRNA-related signaling pathways in the development of CC to provide guidance for CC treatment.

Long non-coding RNAs as critical regulators and novel targets in cervical cancer: current status and future perspectives

Cervical cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality in women. In spite of vaccine availability, improved screening procedures, and chemoradiation therapy, cervical cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in 23 countries and the leading cause of cancer deaths in 36 countries. There is, therefore, a need to come up with novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a remarkable role in genome regulation and contribute significantly to several developmental and disease pathways. The deregulation of lncRNAs is often observed in cancer patients, where they are shown to affect multiple cellular processes, including cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and invasion. Many lncRNAs are found to be involved in the pathogenesis as well as progression of cervical cancer and have shown potency to track metastatic events. This review provides an overview of lncRNA mediated regulation of cervical carcinogenesis and highlights their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets for cervical cancer. In addition, it also discusses the challenges associated with the clinical implication of lncRNAs in cervical cancer.

miR‑29a‑3p inhibits the malignant characteristics of non‑small cell lung cancer cells by reducing the activity of the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can influence non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a tumor-suppressive and oncogenic manner. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of miR-29a-3p in NSCLC. NSCLC cell lines (A549, H1299, and H460) and a normal lung epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B) were used. Additionally, a mouse lung tumor xenograft model was established using A549 cells and used to determine the effects of miR-29a-3p on NSCLC in vivo. Tumor volumes were measured every week. The expression of miR-29a-3p in cells and lung tissues were detected by RT-qPCR. Cell proliferation was detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 and EdU assays. Migration and invasion were assessed using wound healing and Transwell invasion assays, respectively. Ki-67 expression was detected using immunohistochemical staining. The expression levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin were determined using western blotting. miR-29a-3p expression was significantly downregulated in NSCLC cells and mice. In contrast to miR-29a-3p knockdown, miR-29a-3p overexpression decreased NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as tumor growth in in the NSCLC mouse model. Moreover, miR-29a-3p overexpression decreased the protein expression levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin. The inhibitory effects of miR-29a-3p on NSCLC cells were reversed by LiCl (an activator of the Wnt signaling pathway). In conclusion, miR-29a-3p prevented NSCLC tumor growth and cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This finding offers novel insights into the prognosis and treatment of NSCLC.